Business English for Success

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books Saylor.org

Exercises

1. Which of the following sentences are examples of good business writing in
   standard English? For the sentences needing improvement, make revisions as
   you see fit and explain what was wrong with the original sentence. Discuss your
   results with your classmates.
   
   
   1. Caitlin likes gardening, golfing, hiking, and to swim.
   
   
   2. At any given point in time, well, there is a possibility that we could, like, be called
      upon for help.
   
   
   3. The evaluation of writing can be done through the examination and modification
      of each sentence.
   
   
   4. While in the meeting, the fire alarm rang.
   
   
   5. Children benefit from getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and outdoor
      playtime.
   
   
   6. Yee has asked us to maximize the department’s ka-ching by enhancing the bling-
      bling of our merchandise; if we fail to do this the darn president may put the
      kibosh on our project.
   
   
   7. Ortega’s memo stated in no uncertain terms that all employees need to arrive for
      work on time every day.
   
   
   8. Although there are many challenges in today’s market and stock values have
      dropped considerably since last year, but we can hope to benefit from strategic
      thinking and careful decision making.
   
   
   9. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please let Steve or I know as soon as
      possible.
   
   
   10. One of the shipping containers are open.
   
   
   
   


2. Find an example of a good example of effective business writing, review it, and share it
   with your classmates.


3. Find an example of a bad example of effective business writing, review it, and share it
   with your classmates.


4. Revision requires attention to detail, and you may be under pressure to produce quality
   results within a deadline. How do you communicate your need for time for the revision
   process to those who are waiting on you to complete the document? Share and discuss
   your responses with your classmates.

[1] Strunk, W., Jr., & White, E. B. (1979). The elements of style (3rd ed.). New York, NY:
Macmillian.

[2] McLean, S. (2005). The basics of interpersonal communication. Boston, MA: Allyn
& Bacon.

12.4 Evaluating the Work of Others

Learning Objectives

1. Describe five elements of critical analysis to use in evaluating someone else’s writing.


2. Demonstrate how to deliver an evaluation constructively and respectfully.